The Wandering Albatross here, I know that TravelSpark's blog is all about classy traveling but I am more of an adventure traveler so I hope you will enjoy a little change of pace while I share one of my experiences with you. Please note that this trip is not for the faint of heart. My whole life I have had a goal to visit all seven continents. The hardest one to get to is also the driest, despite all the ice, Antarctica! Only about 10,000 people actually get to step onto the continent of … [Read more...]
To travel = to be grateful
April 12, 2008 By Leave a Comment
If you read my post about trying to cram all my stuff in a carry-on bag for an eight-night trip, then you know I'm off to Tel Aviv, Moscow, and Paris on a business trip. I leave on Monday, and could not be more thrilled to get out of the office. I haven't been on a plane since October, and while I actually don't care very much for flying, I do love what flying promises: a chance to discover a new place or revisit a favorite one, eat amazing food (most of the time), buy clothes that no one will … [Read more...]
Turkish Delights, Part 3: Tasty Treats to Make
April 10, 2008 By 2 Comments
Growing up, my grandmother's unspoken cooking philosphy seemed to be "Why mess with food's natural flavors?" Between Nanny and Mom, my dining experiences were hearty, healthy, and nearly devoid of spices. Adding oregano to a dish was about as crazy as they would get. As a result, my poor tongue tingles in pain at the mere thought of chili peppers, and my eyes water with only a slight whiff of buffalo chicken. As I've traveled more throughout my adult life, my palate has gradually become more … [Read more...]
Turkish Delights, Part 2: Eating Out in Istanbul
April 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
My first experience with food in Turkey was rather unusual. I arrived at Ataturk Airport and climbed into a cab headed to my hotel. The driver was an attractive young guy who spoke zero English, but understood enough to know where I needed to go. He also understood how to make an impression on a young woman such myself. As a woman traveling alone, my senses were on high alert for anything somewhat astray. So when the taxi came to a halt along the side of the road, I was very confused and … [Read more...]
One 22″ bag for 8 nights? Part 1
April 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment
My first overseas business trip of 2008 is coming up quickly, and I will spend eight nights trekking between Tel Aviv, Moscow, and Paris. My journey begins with a leg through the ridiculousness that is the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. The brand new, state of the art baggage handling system has been an utter failure, leading to missing or delayed bags, cancelled flights and an apology by British Airways chief executive, Willie Walsh. Missing or delayed luggage is extra stress that I … [Read more...]
Wedding Style: Paris
April 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment
After nearly a year and a half planning my own wedding, I've become a bit of a consultant to others in the marital way. My friend experienced one of the most romantic events imaginable - a proposal in Paris - and is planning her own June 2009 nuptials with a bit of a Parisian theme. We've been brainstorming ways that she can incorporate France into the wedding in a classy way that won't conjure images of mimes in berets or "freedom fries". If you're thinking of a Paris or French-theme wedding, … [Read more...]
